Kylie has just moved to Ivanhoe and was wondering what part of the suburb she could start exploring. Despite sharing a name with a famous Aussie pop star, Kylie’s life is not as vibrant as other 20-something girls like her tend to be. It’s not that she frowns upon the spectacle that social media has to offer or the throbbing allure of the Melbourne nightlife. No. That’s not how it is. Kylie prefers the quiet character of humble Victoria and what its high culture has in store. Kylie finds enjoyment in visiting specialty stores.

And that is something that Ivanhoe can deliver. 

If you’re visiting the suburb or already living there but have yet to catch a change of scene, these three specialty stores might just be something you can fancy.

Caffe Strada

Seen by many as the best coffee in all of Ivanhoe, Caffe Strada also serves a variety of food that is traditionally European. 

Apart from that, Caffe Strada offers catering services for parties and events. The cafe serves up a range of pastries, cakes, and other savory foods expertly made by its team of chefs. But what gets the attention of its patrons is Caffe Strada’s 100% Gluten-Free menu.

Voyager Music & Video

A relic of its time but still going strong, Ivanhoe’s Voyager Music & Video is a shop that sells new DVDs and Blu-Rays and used ones for low prices. 

The store boasts not only of its somewhat dated offerings but also its efficient and amiable service. It is the only rental DVD store to still be standing in Ivanhoe and among the few in the entirety of Melbourne. The store allows its patrons to listen to music privately before purchasing an album–something that hits right at the nostalgia. 

If you’re looking for a semblance of how the music and video industry once was, then Voyager Music & Video is the place to be.

Chocolatier Australia

Established by brothers David and John Grisold in 1985, what is known today as Chocolatier Australia was then called, “Diamond Creek Chocolate Company.” The brothers were inspired to set up shop in light of their influence while growing up in a family that manufactured food for the hospitality industry. David and John decided to make premium, designer chocolates for airlines and top-tier hotels in the country.

While staying loyal to the hospitality sector, the product range evolved to include chocolates for Easter, Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Valentine’s Day.

So there you have it, three specialty shops in Ivanhoe that are simply too interesting to pass up. If you happen to be in the suburb looking for alternative ways to amuse yourself, we recommend that you check these stores out.  Or perhaps having these specialty stores around is the ultimate deciding factor to move to this suburb. Give us a call at + 61 3 9486 2000 and let’s discuss your requirements!

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There are so many things to consider before we move into a new home. We all must be prepared emotionally, mentally, financially, and physically before the big moving day. It is one of the biggest causes of stress and we are bound to do it more than once in our entire lives.

To make things easier, there should be a checklist before moving into new home. This checklist would include things you need to do, people you need to contact, suppliers you need to hire, and any other preparations that you have to do before the big move.

This way, you also won’t forget to do things. So, to make the move easier, we have compiled the ultimate moving house checklist.

Start getting quotes from removalists

One of the suppliers that could help us with a big move are removalists. Make sure that you choose ones that not only give you a fair price but also those who have great reviews. You are entrusting stuff you’ve saved up for years to these people and even if it’s just for a short amount of time, make sure you choose a trusted company.

Consider reading reviews and then once you’ve chosen a removalist, ask them for a quotation for your move. Prioritise those with competitive but reasonable rates.

Sort and declutter

When moving out of a home, there is one activity that we consider a requirement for all of those who are planning this life milestone:

Sort your stuff in four piles: those that you would like to dispose or throw away; those that you would want to sell; those that you would want to give away to friends or family; and those that you would want to take with you on your move.

For the things you want to dispose of, make sure that they are properly stowed away for the trucks to collect. For those that you want to sell, you can hold a clearance sale at your home. For those that you want to give away to friends or family, you can set up a day to do this and organize a small gathering for it that could also serve as your moving out celebration. For those that you would like to take with you to the house that you’re moving into, make sure that they are sorted into the rooms in which they would go.

This way, when you start packing, you can make sure that everything you need is already on its way to your new home. 

Utilities in the new place

You don’t want to come home to a new house that’s dark, hot (or cold depending on what season you plan to move in), and uncomfortable. Contacting utility companies to start preparing your house before you arrive is not only advisable but also very practical.

Better to have a comfortable space to rest in before all the chaos of unpacking starts.

Pack

Of course, packing is essential when moving into a new home.

Organise the furniture and other things in a way that they can be unpacked first once you arrive at the new place. Sort them into rooms and label them so you won’t have to check each box or container for the contents every time you need to look for something.

Deep clean

In preparation for the new homeowners or for selling by your trusted professional real estate agents, do a deep clean. We don’t mean the usual sweeping of the floor and wiping off the windows; we mean scrubbing the walls, sanitizing the place, and making sure it looks and smells good.

Imagine how you would want to feel in your new home and do it to the one you’re leaving behind for others to occupy.

Time to move

The most awaited part is the moving, so make sure everything is in order before you close that door for one last time. 

Make sure that you have returned all that stuff you borrowed in libraries and other similar establishments. Pay any outstanding bills that you have and leave a forwarding address so that in case there are still mails that go to your previous home, it will  still make its way to your new address. Water your plants, take out the trash, and of course, say your farewells to the neighbors.

Now, it’s time to head to your new home.

Thinking of starting a new life in a different suburb? Collings Real Estate is one of the highest-rated real estate agency in Victoria. Discuss your requirements to us and let us help you find your new home.

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In its 50 years of existence, Preston Market has established itself as one of the institutions of Melbourne. Preston Market is a privately owned establishment and has no official heritage value linked to it. But for the people, it doesn’t need one as it continues to serve the community eversince its establishment in the 1970.

Preson Market has gone through different changes since. From being a European-centric market, it has shifted to being a multicultural one and adapting to the needs of the growing diverse population of the city. As more and more migrants continue to flock to Melbourne, Preston Market did its part to adapt and carry on. The market just keeps on growing and improving, catering to the needs of the people and contributing to the reasons why Melbourne is a great place to live.

Photo source: neokosmos.com Photo source: neokosmos.com Photo source: neokosmos.com

Today, Preston market is the second largest fresh food market in Melbourne with approximately 80,000 visitors a week and home to a over 130 stalls. Of course, just like in every other market, the early bird catches the freshest produce. People of all ages flock to Preston Market but if you’re going to ask of what’s to really love about the place, it would all just boil down to three:

1. The fresh produce at an affordable price
2. The many options of ethnic delicacies
3. The superb pizza options, taste and price-wise

If to some, Preston Market is just a place for these, to the dense population of Greek and Italian immigrants, this place is a close semblance of home. Preston Market exudes the multiculturality of Melbourne with establishments trading not only local produce but also imported products from other countries including Sri Lanka and Spain.

Surely, there are other fairly pleasant markets in Melbourne aside from Preston Market. But what makes it the popular choice for many is its myriad commodities.

Preston is a suburb well-loved by its community for its amenities that bring the people closer together. Many are looking for properties in this suburb and this is just one of the reasons why. Whether you are a buyer or a seller in Preston, we’ll be happy to assist you. Fill out our contact form or call us directly at  +61 3 9486 2000.

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One of our main concerns when entering into a purchase of a new home whether it’s our first or not is the financing. Our choices are somewhat dependent on how much we can afford as initial deposit and how much we can pay for mortgage in the coming years.

It’s a good thing that there are options for payment terms in the market. One of them is the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme. This program allows eligible first home buyers to choose a property and purchase it with as low as five percent deposit. It is because of this low deposit rate that allows the buyers not to take out an LMI or a lender’s mortgage insurance.

The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, also known as the First Home Guarantee is a program that lets the government become the guarantor of your loan as instead of family members. This can somehow make you feel more at ease because qualifying for the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme more or less gets you a few steps closer to your dream home.

Related: 4 Shortcomings First Home Buyers May Experience When Purchasing a Property

What qualifies for a first home?

Before one can apply for a first home loan deposit scheme, you must make sure that the property is eligible to be funded by the program. So, what qualifies for a first home?

It has to be newly constructed. It could be a detached house, apartment, or townhouse. An off-the-plan property also counts as a first home. This means that you will purchase it directly from the developer and can be pre-sold while still being constructed.

A first home can also be a house and land package; lastly, it could be in two separate contracts: one for the land and one for the construction of the home.

How do you qualify for a first home loan deposit scheme?

They take into consideration your salary threshold and your savings for a downpayment which should be equal to at least 5% of the total contract price.

You also have to take into account whether you’ll apply for the loan as a couple or as an individual. Some first home buyers do it with their partner or spouse. If this is the case, make sure that you are either married or in a de facto relationship, meaning you are living together as partners but are not married.

How to apply for a first home loan deposit scheme?

The following makes you eligible for a first home loan deposit scheme.

• You should be eligible First Home Buyers and must not have shown interest or have owned any residential property. You won’t qualify whether it’s owner occupied or you’ve bought it as a part of your investment portfolio.
• Income earned should be $125,000 for individuals and $200,000 for couples for the financial year.
• Again, as mentioned above, in case you’re a couple applying for the scheme, you have to either be married or in a de facto relationship.
• Applicants should be Australian citizens who possess a valid Australian passport or any proof of being a citizen of Australia.
• There is a minimum of at least 18 years of age and must have a valid Medicare card.
• Deposits should be between 5% and 20% of the property’s total value to fully qualify for the scheme.
• The property price must be within the threshold for property price for the suburb and postcode.

The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme is very helpful especially to families with low and middle incomes so that they can purchase a home sooner.

Need assistance in purchasing a property in Victoria? We can be of help. Reach us through our contact form or call us directly at +61 3 9486 2000.

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Initially seen as a semi-industrial hub with its massive warehouses, workshops, and factories, Brunswick East has grown into popularity as a highly-cultural suburb. 

Subjected to fast gentrification efforts of recent years, Brunswick East has been experiencing notable changes with several industrial sites transformed into residential and retail areas. 

Lifestyle has become a driving force in Brunswick East’s development. This being in the cards, Brunswick East is now a go-to cultural place that boasts of multiple delights. 

Here are 3 notable things that Brunswick East offers that make it a cultural hub you would want to visit:

A Community of Sustainability

A sustainable life is at the very core of living in Brunswick East. The suburb is host to the CERES urban farm and grocery, a community garden, urban farm and social enterprise center, and environmental education hub. Through the center, residents are able to learn everything from basic gardening to climate change. 

On top of that, all the suburb’s amenities can easily be reached by walking, doing away with the need for vehicles that require gas-powered vehicles.

Exciting Bars and Wineries

The bars at Brunswick East are replete of various wines and cocktails. It is home to the Noisy Ritual, a vineyard where visitors can witness how wine is made from actual grapes. 

Here, you can also find Atticus Finch for cocktails, Bouvier for whiskey, and beer at the Temple Brewing Co, and Alchemy Brewing. 

A Thriving Music Scene 

The Independent Music scene is alive with the suburb’s community radio station, the 3RRR. Meanwhile, The B.East and Whole Lotta Love are places where bands can play live music.

These features make up the triumvirate of fun in Brunswick East. But mind you, these are just a few of the suburb’s fine offerings. There are more things in the area that complete its picture as a highly-cultural suburb. 

Brunswick East is one of the fastest emerging suburbs in Victoria, so it’s not surprising that interested buyers are flocking to see and experience the beauty of the suburb firsthand. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, reach out to us and let’s make your real estate process a smooth one. Fill out our contact form or call us directly at +61 3 9486 2000.

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It may be one of the (if not the) largest assets you will ever have to sell so it is imperative that we make sure we achieve the best price possible for our home. We took so much time planning and preparing for when we first decided to buy a home. It only follows that when we finally decide to sell our first ever property, we also consider several factors.

In this article, we will tackle the best time to sell your home and what are the common mistakes to avoid when selling your property. We aim to guide you through the selling process so that you would have a great first-time experience when you take your property to the market.

So, how can you know when to sell your investment property?

Check the market’s performance

Like all investments, there isn’t a particular time or period that we can consider the “best time” to sell your property. The market still dictates whether it is ideal to sell.

The demand for real estate properties depends on so many factors so make sure that you check a market’s performance before you put your property up for sale.

Make sure your property value has increased by adding improvements

We highly encourage future home sellers to do upgrades to their properties before putting the property up for sale.

A repaint job could do wonders to your home. Landscaping for your backyard or front lawn will add more value to your property not to mention entice more potential buyers to check it out.

For some upgrades, you can make your property a smart home. Interconnectivity, ease of access from any mobile device or gadget, and one-touch/one-command control of everything electronic inside your home will increase the value of the entire property.

Should you decide to upgrade and make it a smart home, you can also have additional security features like CCTV cameras which can be linked to hand-held devices so that even when you’re traveling, you can check your property from time to time.

Related: Smart Home Technology: Yay or Nay

Your personal requirements for selling your property

Why do you want to sell in the first place? What kind of buyer are you looking for? What is the price you are willing to sell your property for? What are the financing terms that you’re willing to accept?

These are some of the questions that you need to ask yourself before you sell your property.

Check the seasons

All four seasons have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to selling your property.

• Winter. When you put up your property for sale during this season, there won’t be as many options for buyers who are looking to purchase so you can get a competitive price for it.

• Spring. Spring is a good time to showcase your property for sale because this is the time that people start to go out and check out what’s available and for sale.
• Summer. This is the time when most people are outdoors so they are more inclined to purchase properties especially if they can see what it looks like with the sunlight going in and out of different rooms. Twilight midweek auctions also occur during this time creating a great event for buyers and the greater audience.
• Autumn. It’s when there are a lot of different textures and scents in the air because of the changing of the season. Autumn highlights the outdoor areas of your home making it more enticing for future homebuyers.

So many factors affect our decisions when to choose the best time to sell your property so make sure that you prepare yourself properly.

Do you need assistance in selling your property? Our experienced real estate agents are highly rated by our happy clients. Reach out to us and let’s make your property selling process a smooth one. Contact +61 3 9486 2000 or fill out our contact form.

From being a discreet neighborhood in the 80s, Richmond has found its way to be one of the coolest neighborhoods in Australia. According to the poll conducted by TimeOut, Richmond was acclaimed as the 10th coolest neighbourhood in the country because of its bustling cafe and food culture.

Its diversity in population created an opportunity for businesses of different types to invest in Richmond. So whether you are a single young professional or a couple with kids, there will always be something that would suit your taste in this suburb. 

Richmond doesn’t only boast of its diverse populace. The people of Richmond are also known for sharing a tight-knit community. This is especially seen in the efforts of Richmond Churches Food Centre to feed the less fortunate for roughly 30 years now. 

The things mentioned above are already enough to wow anyone who’s looking to move to the suburb. But let us give you some more reasons to love Richmond:

It has the best stadium: Melbourne Cricket Ground

Melbourne Cricket Ground is not only used for test cricket and Australian Rules Football. It is also spacious enough to host other events for over one hundred thousand people.

It is the home of the Richmond Football Club for more than 130 years.

Also known as Richmond Tigers, this football club is one of the most popular AFL teams. 

It has a Little Saigon

Little Saigon will always be the go-to place for when they want a semblance of home. Victoria Street also known as Little Saigon in Richmond is popular for the Vietnamese establishments surrounding it. From fruits and vegetables, groceries, meat, fish or poultry, you can find something here. With plenty of fresh and affordable finds, It’s not surprising that Little Saigon has attracted not only the Asian community in the suburb but also non-Asian ones.

While Richmond is already a thriving community of its own, it is also a suburb that greatly connects you to anywhere in Melbourne. Just 3 kilometers east of Melbourne CBD, the suburb is without a doubt one the popular choices for someone who enjoys the inner city life while also being close to the city itself.

Whether you are a buyer or a seller of a Richmond property, Collings Real Estate can assist you with your real estate requirements. Be one of our happy customers. Reach out by calling us directly at +61 3 9486 2000 or by filling out our contact form.

If you’re looking to buy properties off the plan for investment purposes, we’re sure you have several questions.

There are advantages and disadvantages in constructing your own home but for investors, buying off the plan vs building a house has less risk and is more profitable.

A property that is off the plan means you’ll be buying it directly from the developers. These are pre-selling properties that are still in the process of being built. Not a lot of people are fans of this option but there are advantages to buying off the plan.

One of them is that it’s guaranteed to follow the latest regulations and building codes. There is also a high chance that these new properties will be fitted with smart home technology adding more value to the home. One more feature would be the amenities within the property or the neighborhood that’s fitted for the residents.

Of course, there are also some risks.  Contracts can be complicated and changes are inevitable. Since you’re also buying from developers, you don’t have that much of a say in the build. For some, these could be deal breakers as it is very important for them to have control over what happens in the build.

Below is a list of our guidelines for when you plan to buy off the plan and how to get it right. To make the risk percentage lower, check out our suggestions.

Do your research

We keep saying again and again in our other articles how important it is to do your research before you enter into any type of investment.

Not only do you need to consider the market performance and the current rules and regulations, you also have to take note of your personal preferences, financial goals, and financial capacity.

Research also the location if it’s a place that you want to have your property. Find out what future infrastructures and projects are going to be built and developed in the area as this will affect the value of your property in the years to come. 

You also have to consider how you would want to use the property. Will it be something that you and your family will use half the time and will be rented out on the other half of the year? Or will it be an all-year-round rental? Some people invest everything they have on properties and make it their main source of income.

Location is key

Proximity to essential services and other places of interests in your neighborhood can add value to your property in the future. People will pay a premium price for ease of access to establishments that they would require when traveling.

The same goes for long-term tenants that you might have. Your property can fetch for higher prices because of your choice of location. 

Select a reputable developer

It is also important to select a pre-selling property from a developer with a great reputation. One of the most trusted forms of reviews is those that come directly from owners of previous properties that they developed.

Find out also the amenities that they will have on their property as this will be added come-ons for your potential tenants and short-term vacationers.

As mentioned above, there are many reasons why future investors prefer buying off the plan, but again, be reminded of the advantages and disadvantages of this. It’s always wise to consider your options for investment before you jump into anything.

To guide you further in this process, give us a call at +61 3 9486 2000 or send an email to info@collings.com.au.

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It is one of the most affordable suburbs in Melbourne 

Reservoir is still considered as one of the most affordable suburbs in Melbourne. Having an investment property in the suburb is already a good deal given its proximity to Melbourne’s CBD which is just 12kms away. From traditional family homes, to townhomes and apartments, there is surely something that would fit for anyone who wishes to invest in this area. A property in Reservoir is attractive especially to first time home buyers as it gives them an entry point to the Melbourne real estate market.

All roads lead to Reservoir

Reservoir is a convenient suburb with three available train stations nearby: Regent, Reservoir and Ruthven railway stations. Alternatively, if you ride a bike, bike lanes and trails are also available to ensure your safety. Transportation is an essential factor in shortlisting ideal properties and Reservoir tops this one.

The R in Reservoir means “relaxing”

One more reason why Reservoir is a popular choice for families, young couples and downsizers is its relaxing vibe. Reservoir is a suburb surrounded by rich gardens and parks which are perfect spots for picnics. While the luscious space in this suburb is an instant hit to families, it is also an appealing choice to the growing population of independent singles in the area.

Reservoir is the biggest suburb in Melbourne by land area. It only means that while there are already established businesses in the suburb, there would still be improvements in the upcoming years. So if you are thinking of investing in a Reservoir property, do it now. The improvements in the suburb will surely change the market dynamics. Let Collings Real Estate assist you. Fill out our contact form or send an email to info@collings.com.au.

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Recognised as one of the most ideal suburbs in Melbourne, Ivanhoe is stark with appealing qualities to people of all ages, but most especially to couples planning to have kids or families with children. Aside from the suburb being surrounded by trees and filled with beautiful houses and parks, Ivanhoe is also one of the great choices when it comes to being close to the best schools.

Below are a few examples:

Ivanhoe Grammar School

Ivanhoe Grammar School has grown to become one of Melbourne’s leading private schools. Today, it is a multi-campus, co-educational school offering Early Learning to Year 12. Aside from the campus in Ivanhoe, students may also enroll in their Doreen and Macleod campuses.

Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School

Founded in 1903, Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School has been a consistent topnotch school in the suburb. The all-girls school takes pride in assisting young girls to be the woman of their dreams: confident, articulate and ready to take on the future she chooses.

Ivanhoe Primary School

Ivanhoe Primary School has been providing the local community with high quality education program for over 150 years. Through a strong home-school partnership, the school is able to provide quality educational program to its students.

Mary Immaculate, Ivanhoe

Mary Immaculate Primary School (MIPS) takes pride in the feedback received from their students’ parents. Having holistically well-groomed students is beyond achieving the high academic standards of the school.

Ivanhoe East Primary School

What sets the school apart is their strong sense of community. Teachers, students and parents work together to respond to the needs of the students. Ivanhoe East Primary School has a good location, great facilities and exceptional educators.

Ivanhoe continues to be the top choice for couples planning to have kids or those who already have them. A nurturing environment where good education is readily available is a critical criterion when it comes to raising children. If you are a parent or a soon-to-be one, reach out to us and let’s discuss your property requirements. Shoot us an email at info@collings.com.au or call us directly at +61 3 9486 2000.